Schweizer Alpenschaf
Schweizer Alpenschaf most commonly refers to the Swiss White Alpine sheep, or Weisses Alpenschaf. It is a large, white, polled Swiss breed shaped from local white mountain sheep with improvement from Merino landsheep and meat-breed influence. The breed is widespread in Switzerland and is used mainly for lamb production, with a dense white fleece of practical quality.
These sheep fit the Swiss pattern of winter housing and summer mountain pasture, where strong legs, roughage use, milk for lambs, and reliable reproduction are central. They can also serve as a base for commercial crossing with meat sires. Breeders should select for functional udders, sound feet, good body capacity, and lambs that grow efficiently without losing mountain adaptability. The breed should not be confused with the more ornamental Valais Blacknose or with darker Swiss mountain sheep. Its importance is quieter: a productive white alpine ewe for ordinary Swiss sheep farms.
Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Broken, Brown, Gray, Grey, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Piebald, Red, Roan, Silver, Solid, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points
